Preparations

Two Paddling Clinics — Escorting an Open Water Swimmer
David Clark shares decades of kayaking experience

Each year, Catalina Channel Swimming Federation Board Member David Clark offers two courses in kayak escort. These free sessions are an opportunity — for both the swimmer and kayaker — to practice skills in navigation, feeding, and safety support.

La Jolla Shores on Saturday July 11th.

Long Beach (Alamitos Bay) on Saturday July 18th

Please RSVP directly with David Clark at 858.453.0648 or dsclark7@gmail.com

David will provide exact meeting location and start time for these sessions.

For more than 25 years, David has coached and supported Catalina swimmers.

Resources and Weather Links for Catalina Swimmers
Planning and shopping in the final weeks before an attempt

The CCSF website is the primary resource for swimmers to find Channel information including marine weather forecast, water temperatures, and steps to prepare in the final weeks before an attempt.

Every swimmer is advised to double-check the list to see that they are properly preparing for a 20-mile cold water channel crossing which starts in the pitch blackness of midnight. Many swimmers have expressed astonishment at just how dark it can get at night around Catalina Island – and how spooked they felt.

Street Art in San Pedro Honors Catalina Swimmers

Julie Bender selected to paint installation, completed this month

Swimmers arriving to San Pedro will be greeted by new artwork. The San Pedro Waterfront Arts District selected Julie Bender to paint a mural along Harbor Boulevard.

Not only is Julie a CCSF observer and paddler, but also the proud mother of a Catalina swimmer, Monica Bender.

Pictured is one of the four panels. These colorful painting represents the Channel swimmers, the international flags, and shoreline landmarks.

Look for it as you drive along the San Pedro waterfront. You will find it across the street from the Sunset Hotel, at the corner of Harbor Blvd and 5th.

Check the CCSF Facebook page for more photos of artwork by Julie.

Throwback: 1932 Catalina Scenes in You Said A Mouthful
Now on DVD, slapstick comedy was inspired by the very first Catalina crossing.

Warner Bros has released from its archives the slapstick comedy, You Said a Mouthful. The wacky plot centers around the inventor of an “unsinkable swimsuit” because he cannot swim. He is mistaken for a marathon swimmer, who has registered to compete in a race across the Catalina Channel. With a $25,000 grand prize up for grabs, he prolongs the charade, and swims the race in hopes of winning the money — and the heart of a young socialite.

Originally released five years after the Wrigley Ocean Marathon in the Catalina Channel, You Said a Mouthful stars Joe E. Brown and Ginger Rogers. Many scenes were filmed along the shores of Catalina Island.

Pictured, David Clark in the blue kayak, guiding another successful swimmer into Pelican Bay.
Point Vicente Lighthouse in the background.

Monthly Newsletter Updates Swimmers & Observers
Expect CCSF Newsletters to Arrive Semi-Regularly with Vital Info and Dates